Avian Research Assistant in Toledo, Ohio at Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area

Join Metroparks Toledo as an Avian Research Assistant. In this role, you will gain valuable research experience while contributing to conservation of threatened bird species. Being involved with the collection of important scientific data contributes to a larger knowledge base that directly supports Metroparks’ conservation mission. Your efforts ensure we maintain our “Clean, Safe, and Natural” promise to the community.

Day in the Life?

Each day is different. You may be working in a swamp forest, tallgrass prairie or reforestation area, conducting point counts or searching for nests. Depending on the weather, some days may require indoor, office work such as data entry or assistance with camera trap, species identification, or other projects.

Here’s why we think you’ll love working at Metroparks

• Field experience in conservation helps bring your degree to life.
• You’ll learn more about northwest Ohio’s flora and fauna.
• You’ll get to monitor state-listed rare species.
• Competitive pay, health care, and retirement benefits. Read more here.

You’ll love this job if

• You are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in avian ecology and want to get field experience.
• You want to make a difference in conservation science, investigating & answering questions.
• You love nature and like working outdoors in all kinds of weather.

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Job Summary

Advance Metroparks Toledo’s core conservation mission by assisting with conservation of natural areas and species on priority sites through avian monitoring and research.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct point count surveys of northwest Ohio bird communities.
• Monitor Lark Sparrow nest success and assist with banding, resighting, and territory mapping.
• Collect bird and vegetation data using field equipment and established monitoring protocols; maintain and organize field equipment.
• Maintain avian research database; conduct reviews of scientific literature.
• Work with Metroparks staff and volunteers to achieve project goals.
• Other park related duties as assigned

Equipment Used

• General office equipment
• Software & Apps: Microsoft Office Suite, Geographic Information System (GIS)
• Vehicles: on & off road trucks, UTVs, golf carts, bicycles
• Biological survey tools and equipment; GPS devices and mapping tools, cameras, binoculars, meter tapes, DBH tape

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Length of employment: late May – early August. Employment will not exceed 1,480 hours in a calendar year.
• Schedule: Monday – Friday 6:30am – 2:30pm. may require work in the evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to meet project needs.
• Home Work Location: Jerome Road
• Will require business use of personal vehicle to travel between Metroparks locations.
• Requires occasional lifting and carrying of up to 10 pounds; ability to walk and work outdoors for extended periods of time in all types of weather including extreme heat and cold.

Job Requirements

1. Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
2. Reliable transportation to travel between Metroparks locations.
3. Education: Recent Bachelor’s Degree graduate OR completed 6 semesters of college coursework in Ecology, Biology, or related field, required.
4. Experience: 6 months of ecology-related, field-based research experience; avian point counts and nest searching experience preferred.

Alternates to the position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated appreciation for enhancing quality of life and conserving the region’s natural resources through clean, safe and natural parks and open spaces.

Knowledge

• Some knowledge of natural systems and conservation practices.
• Specific knowledge of the natural history of birds of Northwest Ohio.
• General knowledge in identifying local flora and fauna.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including Excel, GIS software, and GPS equipment.
• Project Management skills, including organization and planning.

Abilities

• Ability to readily identify Ohio bird species by sight and sound.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with speed and accuracy under the pressure of deadlines.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to comply with all safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.